Virgil van Dijk has told Liverpool fans it is OK for them to sing Diogo Jota‘s song at Anfield, amid a debate over whether it is appropriate and how it impacts the team.
Since Jota’s death, Liverpool supporters have sung for the No. 20 in the 20th minute of each game to remember him.
However, there has begun to be some discussion about how appropriate it is to remind the players of his passing at every match.
Virgil van Dijk on Diogo Jota tributes
• Fan tributes: Virgil van Dijk has reassured supporters that singing Jota’s song doesn’t negatively affect the players’ performance or focus.
• Using it as strength: The captain says the team now uses the memory of their former teammate as a source of strength.
• Long-term legacy: Senior players are working with the club on a permanent memorial to ensure Jota is “remembered for ever”
Van Dijk has now reassured supporters that it isn’t an issue for the team, telling the Times: “We’ve discussed that and we’re at a stage now where it doesn’t affect us.
“It’s obviously a sign of respect from our fans. So it’s up to the fans what will happen, but just to let anyone know that it doesn’t affect us.
“I remember the friendly game against Preston where it was really, really tough, but that was only two weeks after the accident.
“The minute’s silence in the home game against Bournemouth was very, very difficult. But I think we’re at the stage now where we want to use it as strength.
“Diogo would want us to succeed, he would want us to do well, and that’s the main thing. And I think the fans sing only out of the respect they have for Diogo because he deserves it.”
Liverpool players want to do more to remember Diogo Jota
While a permanent memorial is being prepared at Anfield, Liverpool’s senior players are keen to do more to remember their former teammate.
His dressing room place still sits empty at the training ground and at Anfield, and Van Dijk sees it as the players’ responsibility to ensure his memory lives on.
“We had a meeting with the team and said if anyone wants to speak up about their emotions, how they feel, we are here and will always be here,” said the captain.
“There are moments when it is tough because, like I said, you will remember Diogo whether you are prepared or not, whether you can cope with it at that time or not. It’s about how you then react, and the boys have been outstanding.
“The senior boys have discussed it and we want to obviously honour his legacy, not only for the next year, two years, three years.
“He needs to be remembered for ever and that’s something we’re going to discuss with the club, how we’re going to be able to do that.
“We have his locker here at the training ground, we have his locker at the stadium. The memorial at the stadium is coming.
“But I think we can do a lot more in terms of remembering him, and that’s something me and the senior boys will be looking after. And I feel that responsibility in order to make that happen, too.”
Liverpool’s game against Wolves on December 27 will be the first meeting of Jota’s two former English clubs since his death.
Before the game, two of his children, Dinis and Duarte, will walk out onto the pitch with the team as Anfield remembers its No. 20.
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